La La Land (2017) Film Review

La La Land is a film that really doesn't need any introduction, as its recurring news stories regarding its success at awards ceremonies – most recently its record-breaking clean sweep at the Golden Globes – has been the talk of the town. But I digress, for its revival of the classic Hollywood strategy nonetheless desires some commentary: director Damien Chazelle has long wished to bring about the musical with a new tale (unlike recent Oscar favourites Les Misérables and Into the Woods, which are retellings), and for years had been working alongside his frequent film composer and former classmate Justin Hurwitz in bringing back the long-dead genre that had once been the epitome of the film industry. However, it was only after a little Oscar-winning film called Whiplash that studios finally took a fancy to the idea of a big Hollywood musical, and with a bigger budget than initially scheduled the dream came true. La La Land became a reality; a reality that had been touted for Oscar glory since word of its existence came around, and once it premiered at the Venice Film Festival it took off like a rocket has become this almost unstoppable juggernaut. But with all this praise and glory being spread around, is La La Land really this grand spectacle that deserves the ever-desirable Best Picture Oscar? 

Opening with an extravagant opening number and presented in full Cinemascope glory, La La Land follows two individuals struggling to make their dreams come true in the magical land of Los Angeles; one (Emma Stone) is a wannabe actress who can never get past the audition stage, the other (Ryan Gosling) a penniless pianist who wants to revive jazz by opening a club in a historical location and ensuring that his beloved genre doesn't die out. When the two meet, they hardly seem to get along ("There's only you and I; and we've got no shot"), and the chemistry is all too palpable to ignore. As a couple, they push each other to work towards their respective dreams, but the strains brought about by one another's time-consuming alternatives could very well be a breaking point. When living in the great city of "the disc and mic and neon glow", can the two push through to stay together whilst making their dreams a reality?

La La Land is a lot more than the stereotypical rom-com storyline that one may have presumed from that basic synopsis or the trailers, and I don't just mean because it has the occasional song and dance number. The thing with this particular musical is instead that it's so well-crafted that it's almost unbelievable, and that does go for the film's structure. With botched meet-cute scenarios and numbers lamenting such a union to a gorgeous date set within the Griffith Observatory, it brings about some glorious moments that are balanced well with some amusing dialogue and even the more sombre moments. This is a pairing you grow to really care for, and each executive decision they make you worry about what possible outcome it could have on the two of them. And with the musical interludes being played off in a fashion which – whilst never being quite as on-the-nose as Patrick Dempsey's questioning in Enchanted – is far from serious, it creates a tone that invokes all kinds of emotional attachment that'll leave you either ecstatic, amused, or in tears – and sometimes all of them at the same time. This is particularly a highlight at the very end, which is all I dare say before a) spoilers come out and b) tears do too.

Of course, the music is the main selling point to this movie, as highlighted in every trailer, TV spot and commercial you might find. And for those in need of new show tunes, you're in luck, as each song brings about a well of emotion. From the extraordinary 'Another Day of Sun' (a tune I personally cannot stop listening to) and 'Someone in the Crowd' to the quieter 'Audition', and of course the simple but unforgettable 'City of Stars' (a shoo-in for every Best Original Song award out there this season), each one hits the right mark and throws you right in; elevated thanks to the gorgeous cinematography and direction (more on that later). John Legend's musical appearance for 'Start a Fire' is perhaps a little too likable for being something that comes to play against Gosling's Seb Wilder, but considering that it's done to bring about a larger crowd it makes complete sense. Justin Hurwitz's original score, in the meantime, also does a very good job, with particular highlights including the main theme and 'Epilogue'. In short, it's a soundtrack that you'll be listening to again and again long after the film is over.

Emma Stone is no newbie to the world of music, and it clearly shows in her breath-taking performance as Mia Dolan. Her vocalisation is pitch-perfect; her dance skills remarkable, and her acting is a sure-fire way of earning yet another Oscar nomination (the first time being for Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)) and maybe even a win. Ryan Gosling is the perfect foil, as proven time and time again with each of their projects. The two share impossible levels of screen chemistry but doesn't overshadow their individual performances, for Gosling also delivers on that level. In supporting roles, you have John Legend's vocalist who's filled to the brim with charm but still somewhat despicable; Rosemarie DeWitt is great as Wilder's nagging sister, and whilst J.K. Simmons is little more than a glorified cameo that reminds you of his and Chazelle's last collaboration, he still brings out his A-game for the man who got him an Oscar.

Whiplash had already made Damien Chazelle a name worthy of memorising thanks to his strong work there, but La La Land cements that with his incredible direction. From a large ensemble number set in a never-ending traffic jam to the minimalization of lighting and focus for the quieter moments, he and cinematographer Linus Sandgren make a remarkable duo that create such stunning visuals. The production design also deserves credit, for the incredible amount of work put it is all there on the screen to be marvelled at, whilst the editing is straight-up seamless. 

La La Land is a near-perfect resurrection of the long-thought-dead musical genre that now only gets attention every festive season. Thanks to yet another excellent performance from Stone and Gosling and some glorious direction by Chazelle, it brings about the genre with great gusto and triumph that you'll be dancing your way home and saving up for your next ticket. The songs won't exit your mind; the story will stick around, and with any luck, it'll take home the championed Best Picture Academy Award come February 26th. 10/10.